Lake Solitude

Tucked deep within the rugged beauty of the Bighorn Mountains, Lake Solitude lives up to its name. Located in the heart of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, this remote alpine lake offers one of the most peaceful and scenic destinations in northern Wyoming. Surrounded by granite peaks, wildflower meadows, and crisp mountain air, Lake Solitude is a place where the pace of life slows and the wilderness takes center stage.

For hikers willing to make the journey, the reward is a pristine mountain lake that feels almost untouched by time.

A Classic Bighorn Wilderness Hike

The most common route to Lake Solitude begins at the East Tensleep Lake trailhead. From there, hikers follow the well known Misty Moon Trail into the Cloud Peak Wilderness. The route climbs steadily through forests of lodgepole pine and spruce before opening into alpine basins filled with meadows and rocky slopes.

The hike to Lake Solitude is roughly 8 to 9 miles one way depending on the route taken. While the trail is well established, it requires a full day of hiking for most visitors. Many backpackers choose to make the journey an overnight trip, camping in designated wilderness areas along the trail.

Along the way, hikers pass streams, waterfalls, and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Wildlife sightings are common. Mule deer, marmots, and pika often appear along the trail, while hawks and eagles ride the mountain thermals above.

A High Mountain Gem

Lake Solitude sits at roughly 10,800 feet in elevation and is framed by steep granite walls that reflect beautifully in the clear alpine water. On calm mornings the lake becomes a mirror, capturing the surrounding peaks and sky in perfect reflection.

Despite its growing popularity among experienced hikers, Lake Solitude remains remarkably quiet compared with many mountain destinations in the western United States. The long approach and wilderness setting help preserve the sense of isolation that makes the lake so special.

During midsummer the surrounding slopes are often filled with wildflowers including lupine, paintbrush, and alpine daisies. By late summer, the area takes on a different character as golden grasses and cooler air signal the coming mountain autumn.

Wilderness Experience

Because Lake Solitude lies within the Cloud Peak Wilderness, visitors should be prepared for a true backcountry experience. There are no facilities at the lake, and wilderness regulations help protect the natural character of the area.

Visitors should plan for changing mountain weather, carry sufficient water or filtration equipment, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Campfires are sometimes restricted at higher elevations, and overnight visitors are encouraged to camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

The effort required to reach Lake Solitude is part of what makes the destination so rewarding. Every step deeper into the wilderness brings a stronger sense of quiet and distance from the everyday world.

A Place Worth the Journey

For travelers exploring the Bighorn Mountains, Lake Solitude offers one of the region’s most memorable backcountry experiences. The combination of alpine scenery, clear water, and true wilderness solitude creates a destination that feels both remote and timeless.

Standing on the rocky shoreline with the peaks rising above the lake, it becomes easy to understand why this place earned its name. Here, surrounded by sky, granite, and still water, the wilderness speaks for itself.